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Entrées, main dishes and desserts - El Alma Cafe y Cantina, Austin, TX

El Alma Cafe y Cantina

4.7
4.7
986 Reviews
$30 and under
Mexican

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 33 times today
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Lively
  • Charming
Patio seating is first come first serve. Reservations are for indoor dining room only.

El Alma Cafe y Cantina is vibrant, homespun take on the authentic flavors of Mexico. Chef Alma Alcocer prepares food as she would cook for you in her home.


"It"s fun, flavorful Mexican food that is very approachable. It's a casual, authentic representation of the food I grew up eating." - Chef Alma

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Daily 3:00 pm–10:00 pm Happy Hour Daily 3:00 pm–6:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (512) 609-8923
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive Chef
    Alma Alcocer
  • Catering
    For caterings email us at catering@elalmacafe.com.
  • Neighbourhood
    Downtown
  • Cross Street
    Dawson
  • Parking details
    Private Lot
  • Additional
    Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Weekend Brunch, Wine

What 986 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Austin

    Best Value

  • Austin

    Mexican

  • Austin

    Best Value

  • Austin

    Mexican

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
El Alma Cafe y Cantina offers a delightful dining experience with standout service and a diverse menu. Guests rave about the "fantastic food," especially the enchiladas and "delicious cocktails," like the watermelon margarita. The ambiance, particularly the rooftop patio, adds charm, making it "one of my favorite places" in Austin.

986 Reviews
  1. Jennifer

    Austin

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    I made a reservation. When I gave them my name, they said I didn’t have a reservation at this location, maybe I had made it at the South. They said that was fine they could clean a table and seat us. This was embarrassing in front of the people I came with. I pulled up the confirmation text that showed the location. The hostess shrugged and said yeah it was this location. If it had been another time of day when it was busy this could have been a problem.

    Is this helpful?

  2. nancyg

    Amarillo

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food is unique and delicious. The menu selection was great. We had a family of 4 plus a children in a hi chair and we were accommodated with ease. Love the upstairs patio, especially for happy hour. We always go there when there is an event at Palmer.

    Is this helpful?

  3. maren

    VIP

    Austin

    66 reviews

    5.0

    66 reviews

    Dined on December 19, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Delicious food and great cocktails, always a good spot!

    Is this helpful?

  4. Tricia

    VIP

    Austin

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on December 15, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great atmosphere, service and food! The shrimp enchiladas were amazing!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Oscar

    Austin

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 9, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was delicious and the setting is great. The staff was also exceptional and helpful. Thanks!

    Is this helpful?

  6. Beth

    Houston

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 8, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    The food was amazing! Sercice was spotty despite it not being crowded st all.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Beth

    VIP

    Austin

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 6, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food and service!! Loved the mezcal Amarás!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Katrina

    Austin

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on December 4, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    The Sangria Blanca was delicious! I had the create your own enchiladas and the Tinga chicken was delicious and tender.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Keith

    Austin

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 22, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great experience all around - beautiful day to sit outside and our server was super nice!!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Shana

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 16, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Liam (age 7) says this was the best place we ate at all trip and we don’t disagree. The hostess was so lovely and the server was equally nice and attentive. The food was excelllent, loved the steak and sides. Ample portions!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

El Alma Cafe y Cantina is rated 4.7 stars by 986 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 33 times today
Google Map for El Alma Cafe y Cantina

1025 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Dawson
  • Neighbourhood
    Downtown
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:00 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Daily 3:00 pm–10:00 pm Happy Hour Daily 3:00 pm–6:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Private Lot
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Alma Alcocer
  • Additional
    Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Weekend Brunch, Wine
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